Transcript

[Text on screen: Knife crime in England and Wales is currently at its highest level on record]

MAN 1

Every day, we’re hearing about another stabbing somewhere. I got stabbed at a young age. I never, ever thought that anything of that magnitude could happen to me. Because as a result of that, I carried a knife for a long period of time myself because I felt like my safety was jeopardised and that was the only way I could protect myself.

The knife culture has evolved and has become a lot more fashionable. People don’t want to be disrespected, and we’ve got a big bullying culture going on. The youngsters are becoming a lot more desensitised to it.

[INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC]

[Text on screen: Around one tonne of seized and surrendered knives are taken off London’s streets every month]

[Text on screen: Steel Warriors]

NARRATOR

Steel Warriors is a UK-based initiative that aims to recycle all the knife steel taken off the streets and turn it into something positive. We wanted to turn this steel into something that gives young people more confidence in their bodies, to walk the streets unarmed.

[INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC]

MAN 2

This is Steel Warriors.

MAN 1

I feel it will give people something to do, be able to train, stay healthy, stay fit, stay strong. That’s physically and mentally, you know. Because they work hand in hand. I believe it’s going to be very positive for people. So you never know what’s going to give people inspiration.

NEWSREADER

Let’s turn to a story of changing attitudes and maybe saving lives, too.

NARRATOR

We installed the first knife steel gym in London’s Tower Hamlets, and the response has been phenomenal. From the young people in the community who are training every day, to the police, local government, knife-crime charities, and influential figures, all have been vocal in their support of Steel Warriors.

[Text on screen: steelwarriors.co.uk]